CHAPTER 5

“What brings you here seer?” Soriana asked. Zoriana had calmed down since her aura had gone down a bit but she still stood with her sword pointing at Soriana.

“You told me that you won’t be visiting the palace anytime soon and yet you’re here.” Zoriana said.

Yeleda stood by the balcony with her usual calm smile. My guess is that she came in through there. She walked towards where I stood with Bellora and Alvaro and looked at us with her smile.

“It’s a good thing that I got here when I did. We can’t have you dying now. Not when you’re just about to start a new part of your life.” She said as she put her hands on our cheeks. Looking at her smile calmed me down after I had seen my life flash before my eyes. She removed her hands from our cheeks and focused her gaze on the two celestials that were about to fight.

“It is true that I didn’t have any intention of coming to the palace today.” She said. “But after serving you all these years, I knew that something like this would happen.”

“What does she mean by that?” Bellora asked.

“In other words this isn’t the first time something like this is happening.” Alvaro said. “These two have fought over similar issues over the years. Zoriana wanting to show mercy while Soriana will want to eliminate whatever she sees as a threat without thinking twice.”

“So she sees me as a threat?” I asked Alvaro

“Yes. And also due to the fact that you talked back to her and insulted her.” Alvaro replied.

“Please be dears and calm down. You’re making this place very uncomfortable for everyone present.” Yeleda said. Zoriana calmed herself which caused her aura to gradually reduce until it was gone. Same thing with Soriana but you could tell that she was still angry since the throne room still felt like a furnace.

“Say what you have to say and get out from here.” Soriana said as she walked to the throne and sat down in the same position she was when we came. Except this time she crossed her legs. She still had a murderous look on her face and I could tell that she was angry that her fight was interrupted.

“I thought that it was going to be hard to get them to calm down and not fight.” Bellora said which made Alvaro laugh a little.

“Yes it is. Across all of Elmanda there is no one who can come close to them in terms of raw power. That is, except Yeleda.” He said. I stared at Yeleda as I couldn.t say anything.

So she has the same amount of power that rivals the two strongest celestials.

“But how’s that possible? I’ve never heard of anything like that.” Bellora said.

“That’s because no one really knows. Yeleda isn’t a fighter like the rest of us and according to what everyone has heard, she’s a mystery to all. I know about this because I’ve experienced it first hand when she stopped them from fighting a few years back. She came and stood between them and held them back with her own powers. I was shocked that day.” He said. “And on top of that she had taken no form of damage. If I tried to stop them I’ll most likely be unconscious for a long time with a lot of injuries.”

Just how strong is she. Just by looking at her no one can guess that she’s that strong. I looked at Yeleda who still had her usual smile on her face.

“Are you done?” Zoriana asked which got our attention. She looked calm unlike how she was a few moments ago while Yeleda still had her smile. And Soriana, let’s just say that Yeleda being around is what’s holding her back from killing me.

“So what exactly brings you here seer?” Soriana asked.

“Well I couldn’t have you killing Ezra so I came to prevent it. After all, he will be of use to us later on in the future.” Yeleda said. The guards that had come in earlier had already left. Alvaro must have told them to go since everything seemed okay now.

“Tell me Yeleda, how will he be of use to us?” Soriana asked.

“I cannot say anything about it.” Yeleda answered.

“And why can’t you say anything about his future?”

“It would be better if we allow whatever I have said to happen as it should. Revealing too much won’t be good for any of us.” Yeleda said. This had gotten Soriana ticked off a little.

“There you go again. You say that he will be of use to us and yet you refuse to say how.” Soriana said with a scowl. “You said the same words a few years ago. And yet, you have no result to prove what you said was true.”

“Patience Soriana. That’s all you need. Be patient for a while longer. That’s all I ask from you.” Yeleda said with a bow.

“Ezra”

I heard my name and turned to face Yeleda as she walked to me.

“Whatever you do from here on will decide your fate.” She said. “Will you be as useful as I said you will be or will you become our enemy? The choice is yours to make. I know that you will stand for what is right and will always be on our side.” She had her hands on my cheeks and smiled.

“Same as you Bellora.” She said. She then walked to the balcony and spread her wings.

“I can’t wait to see how much you both grow. Especially you Ezra.” And in a flash, she was gone.

“Thank you your majesty. Our work here is done. We will take these children to the camp.” Zoriana said with a bow.

“Tch. Do whatever you want. And you, Ezra.” Soriana said as her red eyes had their usual fiery glow. “The moment you are taken to be a threat to us, I will make sure that I kill you with my own hands. Hide wherever you want, there is nowhere in Elmanda that you will be able to hide from me.”

I remained unfazed by her threat. “Till that day comes, Soriana.”

She growled at me and her eyes glowed brighter.

“Get out. All of you!”

The doors to the throne room closed behind us as soon as we were outside of it.

“You’re a fool you know that right” Zoriana said as we continued to walk out of the palace. “You just made an enemy of the most powerful celestial.”

“I know.”

“Your life is literally hanging by a thread now.” Alvaro said.

“You couldn’t just stay without making someone hate you. And of all celestials, it just had to be the queen.” Bellora said with her hand on her face.

“I know. All I have to do is to prove her wrong and be exactly how Yeleda saw me. To be useful, an ally and not an enemy.”

“Good luck there Ezra. You’re going to need it.” Alvaro said with his hands behind his head.

“Let’s just hurry up and get to this camp where my so called great future will begin from.” I said as I walked faster.

Zoriana let out a sigh and walked ahead of us. “He’s right. We need to get you both to the camp as soon as we can. I have other duties to attend to.”

We passed the place where the picture of Luciana was and I took a quick glance at her before I continued walking.

Why does she seem so familiar?

We got outside, climbed the hawks and flew off with the two celestials flying by our side. We flew towards the east of the kingdom as Zoriana had stated that the camp is located at the east of the paramount. The journey to the training camp was silent since no one wanted to say anything after the incident we just narrowly got out of. After a few minutes of flying, Zoriana finally spoke up.

“We’re here.” She said.

We looked forward and saw the vast land they used for the camp. From where we were in the air we could see a lake, cabins, and a few large buildings one of which should be the main building. I also noticed that the camp was surrounded by lots of trees.

“Whoa!” was all Bellora could say.

“After we land we’re going to take you to the one in charge for you to be signed in as members of the camp.” Zoriana said.

Bellora and I agreed with her and so we landed our hawks close to the biggest building. It was the main hall. It was a three floored building and was painted white. The front of the building was decorated with white pillars and a double door led into the building. Zoriana led us into the building and to say that the inside was beautiful would be an understatement. It was marvelous. Statues of various warriors from all races lined up the hall. The place was also painted white with a few gold designs here and there. Zoriana led us to a door and she opened it. Inside was a female celestial sitting behind a desk writing on a piece of paper. She looked up to see us and had a smile on her face.

“Ezra, Bellora, meet Elita. The celestial in charge of the training camp.” Zoriana said. Elita had dark purple eyes, black long wavy hair, white wings and a kind smile. She looked a bit old but not as old as Yeleda looked.

“So these must be the two new trainees you mentioned. Ezra,” Elita said looking at me, “and Bellora.” She looked at Bellora. “I welcome you both to this training camp. Here you will learn how to control and master your powers and get a better grasp of your other nature.”

“Yeah yeah, just get them to a team already. We still have a few things to attend to.” Alvaro said.

“I know that Alvaro. Seems you’re still as impatient as ever” Elita said with a sigh. As she said that the door opened and two new people entered. One was a male with silver hair, black eyes and black wings. He wore a blue sleeveless shirt with black trousers and wore sandals. He had a dull look on his face but I didn’t bother about that. The second was a female. She had auburn long straight hair, green eyes a really pretty face and she looked lively. She had pointy ears which meant that she was an elf. She wore a white gown.

“These are Uriel and Jason. They’re the two in charge of the camper’s council and the highest ranked among all the campers here. They’ll be the ones to take you to your teams and to your cabins.” Elita said. “I’ll have a word with you two later I hope you enjoy yourselves here and I hope you train and get much stronger.”

“This is where we part ways Ezra, Bellora.” Alvaro said. “I can’t wait to see how you two improve in the next few months. I’ll be sure to visit you when I’m opportuned.” He had a smile on his face.

“From here on out it’s you. I’ll come over and check on your improvement. For now, focus on getting stronger and mastering your abilities.” Zoriana said. I looked at her and smiled a little. I held out my hands for a shake

“I’ll be sure to get stronger. And by the next time you return to see me, I’ll be stronger than I am now.” I said as we shook hands.

“I’ll be the judge of that.” She replied as we let go of each other’s hands.

“Jason, Uriel.” Elita called the two campers. “Ezra goes to Arion. Bellora goes to Pisces.”

“Yes ma’am.” Uriel replied.

“I’ll see you both later tonight.” Elita said as Bellora and I followed Jason and Uriel to where the cabins were located.

“So you’re both half-breeds?” Uriel asked.

“Yeah.” I answered.

“It’s kind of sad that we didn’t end up on the same team.” Bellora said.

“That’s because of the way it’s ordered around here.” Jason said with a bored expression. “The mermaids seek to keep their kind together whether they are half-breeds or not and they don’t follow the same training routine as everyone else does. Unlike celestials. Half-breeds of celestials and other creatures are usually discriminated against by their kinds so we just thought of it as the best way to keep them together since they all have similar backgrounds.”

“So you’re telling me that Arion is a team that consists of purely half-breeds?” I asked.

“With a few exceptions.” Uriel answered with her joyful voice. “There are currently twelve teams formed from various races. Arion being the only one that consists of half-breeds. Pisces for mermaids, Guardian for celestials, Magi for elves and fairies, Ares for humans while teams Kamera, Jestro, Talius, Phoenix, Kareon, Staria and Ruby all consists of mixed races. They all seem to share similar interests and formed their teams that way.”

“We were former members of Phoenix but since we were chosen as the best amongst all campers from various teams we don’t belong to any team again.” Jason said.

“There are also six of us on the council with Jason and I being the heads.” Uriel said.

“The camp has been around for decades training each creature from all races. It serves a form of peace treaty by all the races and has always been lead by a celestial since they’re the ones that suggested it.” Jason said.

We stopped at a path that branched into various paths leading to the cabins.

“I’ll be taking Bellora to her cabin.” Uriel said as she and Bellora went to the path at the left.

“We’ll see each other later Ezra. Take care.” Bellora said as she tried to catch up with Uriel. Jason went to the path the right so I followed him.

“So what are my future team members like?” I asked.

“Nothing but trouble.” That was all he said as the walk to the cabin remained silent. I could see the cabin not too far from where we were. As we got closer I could notice the structure of it. A not too large cabin, painted black and in front of it was a pole that had a banner or flag which I suppose belonged to the team. It had a black horse on a purple background.

“This is where you’ll belong from now on. Just try to stay out of trouble which I highly doubt you will thank to the teammates you’ll have.” He said with his bored expression. He knocked on the door saying I’m coming in. As he opened the door a fireball was launched from the inside which he dodged.

“What do you want Jason?” a female voice said with a growl.

“Still trying to burn everyone that everyone that enters. Try and change that attitude Amora.” Jason replied.

Did he just say that she tries to burn anyone who enters?

“I’m here because you have someone that will be joining your team. He’s a half-breed like you so just try to get along with him.” He said.

“A new team member? That’s awesome.” I heard someone say. It was a male voice this time.

“Get in here Ezra.” Jason called out to me. I took a deep breath in and let it out then went inside the cabin. I saw seven people four girls and three guys.

“This is Ezra, your new teammate. Get along with each other well. And I also hope to see you all during supper tonight. I mean it.” He said then left the place.

I stood there quietly not knowing what to say and just stared at the people in front of me. And honestly, they all looked different than what I expected.

“Welcome to Team Arion.” One of guys said as they all went back to doing whatever they were doing. He had lavender eyes, dark purple hair and a tattoo on the right side of his face. He was the same height as me and had a smile on his face. He also had pointy ears so he was an elf half-breed. “I’m Damian. Damian Arkuro. I’m part elf and part human.” He brought out his hand for a hand shake which I gladly returned

“I’m Ezra. Ezra Atobu. Part celestial and part human.” I said as we let go of each other’s hand

“I’ll introduce you to the team.” He said as he dragged me to the other members. “First we have Amora Draken.” He took me to the first girl, Amora. She had long red hair that stops at her waist, blood-red eyes, two horns on the side of her head and a really angry look. What surprised me the most were her wings. Instead of normal feather wings, she had dragon wings.

She’s the one that threw that fireball at Jason earlier. Have to be wary of her.

“Amora is a part celestial and part human and specializes in fire. Piece of advice, do not, I repeat do not make her mad.” She looked at me with eyes that only said one thing, death. Reminds me of Soriana.

“And next we have Laura Fresna. She’s actually a full celestial so we’re still not sure what she’s doing here.”

“I chose to be here Damian. I prefer here to the other teams.” Laura replied. She was reading a book and then looked at me with a smile. “Welcome to the team Ezra.” Her hair had a silver colour and stopped halfway across her back. She also made a few braids with six thin braids on each side of her hair. She had icy blue eyes, and some freckles on her face. Her wings like Amora’s weren’t the regular feather wings. Instead of normal feathers she had thin ice crystals that served as her feathers.

“She has the power of ice. Also deadly in combat.” Damian said as we moved to the next person. He was doing some pushups and stopped when we got closer. He was six feet tall, had a muscular body, had auburn hair with brown eyes and had a scar under his left eye and was also good looking with a well-built face He also had pointy ears. An elf.

“This is Augustine Zwei. He’s half elf and half human and is really strong. Like physically strong.”

“Nice to meet you Ezra. Hope you’ll like it here as a member of Team Arion.” Augustine said before going to where I supposed was the room area. Now that I think about it I never really got good look of the place. It was a dark looking room even though the windows were open and light was entering the place. It had three long couches and three normal chairs. By the side was a fireplace and beside it was a large bookshelf. It looked comfy.

“Moving on.” Damian said as he dragged me to the remaining team members. “This is Hope Latini. She’s a half-breed too. Part fairy and part elf but her elven features are more visible. We know she’s a fairy because of her plant magic abilities. She’s also an elven mage so she’s really skilled in magic. I think. And she’s the youngest one here.”

Hope was sitting upside down and was reading a book like Laura. She took her gaze of her book and looked at us.

“What do you mean you think? I’m good at what I do. You just don’t know it yet.” She said before focusing on her book.

“Then why don’t you go all out during training?” Damian asked

“It’s too stressful.” She replied still focused on her book. She had pointy ears, emerald green eyes that had a happy look, a really cute face and dark blue hair that should stop halfway across her back. She also had some bangs that covered her left eye.

Then we turned to face the other member. She had pointy ears, blonde hair with the left side completely braided, freckles on her face, a pretty face too and she had brown eyes. She was sharpening a sword which I assumed was her.

“I’m Kaitlyn Nevani a full elf. Not a half-breed and it’s nice to meet you. Hope we can get along.” She said while still sharpening her sword. I looked at Damian and raised an eyebrow at him and he just shrugged his shoulders. We turned to face the last member. He wore a hood to cover his hair but I could make out a few black locks with purple highlights. He had grey eyes and had a really dull expression on his face though he’s a good looking guy. He had two rings pierced just a little bit under his left eye.

“That’s Nathaniel Dibela. Nathan for short and he’s the almighty king of dark and brooding. His abilities are well, not normally talked about and he’s also like you. Half human half celestial though he doesn’t have wings. His human nature overtook it but his celestial nature is stronger in terms of his abilities.”

“Mind your own business Damian.” Nathan said while focusing his gaze outside.

“Yeah yeah. Well that’s about everyone in Team Arion. And you’re welcome once again.” Damian said with a large smile.

“Thanks.” I said with a small smile. Kaitlyn and Laura must be the exceptions Uriel mentioned in the team. They’re both pure breeds. They seem nice but I’m going to be wary about Amora. She already gives me a dangerous feeling by being around her. I looked at her as she sat with her legs crossed and her eyes closed.

“I’ll rather look elsewhere if I were you.” Amora said with a growl.

“Come on, I’ll show you to the room and you can settle down.” Damian said as he led the way to the room.

The room was quite spacious with eight beds. Damian showed me the bed at the edge and said it was mine since that was the only one that wasn’t taken. It had a wardrobe beside it and a small table beside it too. I unpacked my stuff and arranged them in the wardrobe. By the time I was done Damian called me and said that it was time for supper and when I looked outside it was actually pretty late. We went to the second largest building in the camp which was the dining hall. We then went to seat at the table by the edge which also had the team’s banner engraved on it,

“Each team has their own dining area or table where they eat.” Damian said. We had taken our meal which was a variety of foods but I just chose some meat and vegetables since I didn’t really have much appetite. I saw Bellora from afar and she waved at me when she saw me. I gave her a small smile and she smiled back

We’ll meet up later. She mouthed and I gave her a nod and concentrated on my meal. After a few minutes Uriel had gotten up and had gotten the attention of everyone present as Elita came up and stood in front of all of us.

“Good evening my dear trainees.” She said. “I came here this evening not too announce anything too serious but to say that we have two new people who would be joining us. Ezra, Bellora, please stand up so that everyone can see you.” I stood up with a slight hesitation but still stood up all the same and so did Bellora.

“These two will be joining us as from today so try to treat them nicely.”Elita said with her calm voice and smile which earned her a snort from somewhere

“Another mistake of creation was allowed in this place.” A voice said

“I know that you don’t like the sound of that Phineas, most of you don’t but this was allowed by Queen Soriana and Lady Yeleda.” Elita replied

“He should crawl back to whatever hole he came from. His kind isn’t needed here. That entire team should be sent out from here.” The voice Elita identified as Phineas said. I was about to say something but Damian held my hand and shook his head.

“He’s not worth it.”

I looked around the table and saw everyone with gloomy faces quietly eating their meal while Amora looked like she was going to explode any moment from now.

“That’s enough Phineas. It was a decision made by the queen and you are expected to follow it.” Elita said as she lost a bit of her calm demeanor. She calmed down and composed herself before she spoke again. “Ezra and Bellora are a part of this training camp from today and you all should accept it. Treat them well. Have a good night and enjoy your meal.” After that she left the place and it became rowdy. I sat down back and continued with my meal.

“That was Phineas. A celestial who has absolute hate for half-breeds and each and every one on this team. He’s someone who you should avoid at all cost. He’s not worth the trouble.” Damian said as he continued his meal. The others agreed with him and continued their meals while Amora was still angry.

Looks like she gets offended easily. I really need to be wary of her.

After I finished eating I headed back to the cabin and went straight to my bed. I was exhausted from all that happened today and I really needed a good night’s rest.

Tomorrow’s gonna be a new day and the start of my new life. I really hope everything goes well. As for Phineas, I’ll try to avoid him at all costs but if he crosses my path then well, I’ll see how it goes from there.

I said all these in my mind then drifted to sleep.

I’ll be the best I can be dad, I promise.